Before selecting the new housemates for Big Brother Australia, TV WEEK was given a rare look inside the casting process. When Channel 10 announced the show's return with a fresh take honoring the original format, excitement grew. The iconic Big Brother house is once again on the Gold Coast featuring live nominations, evictions, and a 24-hour livestream.
Executive Network Producer Sarah Thornton emphasized the show's goal is not to fill the house with influencers, unlike many reality programs today. Instead, the casting team seeks a mix of people from all ages, backgrounds, and lifestyles — similar to the original Channel 10 seasons.
On a typical Tuesday afternoon in Sydney, I observed the casting process in a hotel conference room. Behind a camera and a table of five executives including Sarah, hopeful contestants were interviewed one by one. Some lasted only a few minutes due to brief or unclear responses, while others impressed the panel with their energy, charm, charisma, or humor.
“I love how generous people are," Sarah shared when reflecting on the experience. Though seeing up to 60 applicants daily can be tiring, she described the process as “magical.”
Big Brother Australia's casting process focuses on finding authentic and diverse participants, staying true to the show's original spirit while engaging viewers with real-life stories and interactions.
Author's summary: The Big Brother Australia casting aims to recruit diverse, genuine contestants, prioritizing authenticity over influencer culture to revive the show's original essence.